Inglewood neighborhood achieves National Register status

The National Park Service has approved the Inglewood neighborhood's application to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The area is located north of Mayfield Road and is centered on Inglewood Drive and includes homes on Yellowstone, Oakridge, Quilliams, Glenwood and Cleveland Heights Boulevard.

The neighborhood will hold a celebration on Sept. 11.

Resident Diana Wellman completed the application, aided by neighbors Mazie Adams and Diana Woodbridge.

"Our history is something we can capitalize on," said Wellman, "It is what sets us apart from other communities."

Eighty-one homes in the area met the historic district criteria and were the basis for the designation.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties recognized by the federal government as worthy of preservation for their local, state, or national significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Inglewood meets the criteria for its relationship to historic events, significant individuals and architecture.

"It is exciting for Cleveland Heights to be recognized on a national level," said Kara Hamley O'Donnell, historic preservation planner for the City of Cleveland Heights. "We have so much that is worthy of recognition in this city."

Hamley O'Donnell said that the city has another historic district application currently under review: Grant Deming's Forest Hill neighborhood.

"These are grass-roots efforts led by individual citizens," said Hamley O'Donnell, "this is not imposed from above, but something the residents really want. They are willing to put countless hours into researching and documenting their historic neighborhoods."

The City of Cleveland Heights will install three Inglewood Historic District markers at major entry points to the district. 

The celebration will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. on the island where Oakridge and Inglewood roads meet. Mayor Ed Kelley and Councilwoman Bonnie Caplan will make remarks and unveil the marker. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held at 1390 Inglewood Drive.

"I'm really pleased with the amount of community support," said Wellman, "not just from our neighbors, but also all of Cleveland Heights. Mayor Kelley has been very supportive and so have other community organizations. Old homes are challenging at times, but they're worth it!"

Deanna Bremer Fisher is the executive director of FutureHeights and the publisher of the Heights Observer.